Every Friendship Starts Somewhere. For This Jack Russell, It Was One Sniff.
Every great friendship starts with a single sniff. On a sunny patch of backyard lawn, a smooth-coated Jack Russell Terrier with a tan face patch stretches his neck forward to meet a young white lamb, and the lamb leans in to meet him halfway. Their noses are almost touching, both bodies are loose and curious, and neither one looks the least bit worried. Behind them sits a brick house with a white downspout, a bicycle tucked against the wall, flowering shrubs, and a few potted plants soaking up the afternoon light.
First meetings between dogs and other animals say a lot through body language. Signs that things are going well include a loose, wiggly body, a relaxed mouth, soft eyes, and slow, curious sniffing. Warning signs include a stiff posture, a hard stare, raised hackles, freezing in place, or a tail held high and rigid. Keeping the dog on a loose leash for early introductions gives you control without adding tension, and short, positive sessions are better than one long one. If either animal wants to move away, let it. A good first impression is built on choice, not pressure.
Judging by this careful nose-to-nose greeting, the introduction is off to a promising start. It is a small moment, but it may be the beginning of a long run of shared naps, garden walks, and sunny afternoons together.
